Cobh residents bid to stop construction of scrap-metal plant

A group of Cobh residents have brought a High Court challenge against An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant permission for the construction of a scrap-metal processing facility.

The residents, who all live close to the site of the proposed facility at Rushbrooke Commercial Park in the Co Cork town, claim the proposed development will generate a large volume of extra traffic that they claim will endanger public safety.

In their proceedings against An Bord Pleanála, the residents want the High Court for orders quashing the boards decision to grant planning permission for a scrap metal processing facility a waste storage facility and quayside storage at Cork Dockyard Rushbrooke Commercial Park in Cobh made on March 19 last.

They are also seeking a declaration that in making the decision An Bord failed to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is in accordance with both requirements of 2000 Planning and Development Act and with EU law.

Cork Dockery Holdings Ltd, who sought permission to build the scrap metal facilities, and Cobh Town Council are notice parties.

Todday at the High Court Eamon Galligan SC for the residents said the challenge is been brought on a number of grounds including that An Bord Pleanála failed to adequately take into account that the proposed facility will generate more than 50,000 extra traffic movements per year.

No adequate reasons or considerations were given by the Board in relation to its decision to grant permission counsel added.

The local town council had initially refused to grant planning permission for the project.

That decision was appealed to An Bord. Counsel said that An Bord, despite the fact its own inspector recommended in his report that planning permission not be given, gave the project the go-ahead in March.

Leave to bring the challenge was granted, on an ex-parte basis, by Mr Justice Michael Peart.

The Judge made the matter returnable to a date in early July.